New lease on life for Bridport business
• John Hosken and wife Lavinia have bought the “bottom IGA”, now known as the IGA Xpress Bridport and are embarking on a $250,000 - $300,000 development of the seaside store.
October 11, 2023
A few café chairs and tables out the front of Bridport's “bottom” IGA are the first signs of a $250,000 -$300,000 upgrade planned for the shop.
After 18 years’ operating as Kelty’s IGA, the business will now be known as IGA Xpress Bridport under the management of new owners John and Lavinia Hosken
Following a corporate career specialising in business turnarounds Mr Hosken has spent the last 13 months transforming the fortunes of the Ouse IGA.
“We were looking to move back to the North where we are from and the opportunity to buy Kelty’s came up,” Mr Hosken said.
“We were attracted by the location – the view from the front of the shop is pretty magnificent and it was about the opportunity more than anything – I love a project!”
After taking over two weeks ago, Mr Hosken has already embarked upon what will be a 12-month refurbishment of the site.
“We have started painting the outside the IGA grey, we will have new signage, shelving, shop counters, refrigeration, we will extend the floor space and, I learnt recently, the last job you do is the floors!
“As much as I would like to get it all done before Christmas, I don’t think that will be possible with the demand for tradesmen and getting new equipment.
“We will have some significant changes to signal to visitors and locals that the shop is different and hopefully better and we will trade until Easter and then compete the significant renovation over winter.
“We will have a focus on an expanded range of fresh meat, fruit and vegetables, enhance the grocery offering and streamline the successful hot food offering – it will be a contemporary grocer.”
Mr Hosken paid tribute to the Keltys who are currently enjoying a much-needed holiday.
“David and Toni were here for 18 years which is absolutely amazing. These are not easy things to work as an owner operator. It’s long hours and a big commitment and it’s a credit to them. We are proud to take the baton on.”
The business employs 12 staff including their daughter Lilith, 23, who has qualified with Bachelor of Laws and will be in the shop for six months before undertaking her law placement.
“We just love it here. We have bought a house separate to the shop, we are very committed to the community and we will get involved through sponsorships,” Mr Hosken said.